coucou chloe

A glistening underground sound and dainty dark aesthetics. That’s coucou chloe at first glance. She blends vocal raps through her synths and evokes a software sound with a clubby atmosphere. On top of that, she’s the co-founder of the NUXXE label, together with Sega Bodega and Shygirl. On an early morning in L.A., while she was getting her first cup of coffee, we chatted about surprises at the airport, sour candy and self-love.

Utopia feels like a place where you cry a lot, but where you smile a lot too

Cutest desire you have?For a long time, I’ve had this obsession with wanting someone to pick me up at the airport, holding a board with my name on it. I wish a friend would surprise me like that. Sometimes people have these crazy drawings for the people coming home. I’m always so touched by these kinda things.

Objects you can’t live without?Too lame to say, but my phone. And if I can be a bit extra, I’d ask for a pair of headphones with it. Definitely those two. And my laptop.

Utopia, what does it look like to you? Can you describe it in 3 tracks?A place where you cry a lot, but where you smile a lot too. I feel like it’s more of a sensation, rather than something I can see. The feeling is easier to describe by tracks indeed. I was a bit emotional this morning and this is what I was feeling like: Otomo yoshihide – Modulations #1 and #2, Chopin – Waltz in a Flat op 69 no 1, Playboi Carti – Kid Cudi.

Coolest people in your network?My grandma. And all my closest friends who are also people I work with. Like the people I work with through NUXXE; Sega Bodega, Shygirl and Oklou.

What did you do before making music?I was in art school, Villa Arson in Nice. But I wasn’t the best student or going to school much. I guess I was partying most of the time. Yet, it really helped me to discover that I wanted to make music. At parties, I connected with so many people and planned all these projects with them. It was so stimulating.

Occasions you’ll never forget?It could be anything, it could even be someone smiling on the street. Whenever I’m performing in a club, people are shouting and showing love. That feels really special. Lately, I’ve caught myself so many times performing and about to cry on stage.

Whenever I’m performing in a club, people are shouting and showing love. I’ve caught myself so many times performing and about to cry on stage lately

Under your skin – what makes you feel most emotional?My music develops parallel with what I think and feel. For a while, I didn’t really want to feel soft emotions or hear my voice. For my new EP, I included a lot of different emotions. And now, when I perform those new tracks, I catch myself having wet eyes. It’s just super new and intense to me. But it’s beautiful.

I have a lot of love to give, so be careful. And I also don’t give a fuck, so be careful

Candy you love most?Oh, there are so many things to say. I really love the big Chupa Chups lollipops, with the chewing gum inside. They’re the best. Mmm, and the little candy eggs. They’re my favourite, together with Bubblizz. And soft cherries too, actually. I feel like when you get candy, you can’t just get one bag. It’s a whole experience, and you should get all the flavours you like and balance them out.

Hazards of getting to know you?I have a lot of love to give, so be careful. And I also don’t give a fuck, so be careful.

Love of your life?I guess that’s gotta be myself. I mean, it’s important to not forget you. At first, I wondered why I’d be loving myself consciously. But lately I started to and it made sense actually. It’s not selfish or too self-centred. How could you get to something healthy without loving yourself? Sometimes I even listen to ‘In love With Myself’ by David Guetta, ha-ha.

coucou chloe plays free for members
at Different Class 201910 August – DOK, GhentRSVP on Facebook